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EIU announces 2025-26 Achievement and Contribution Award recipients

Nov-10-2026

Awards recognize faculty excellence in teaching, research and service

(Charleston, IL) – Eastern Illinois University has named its recipients of the 2025-26 Achievement and Contribution Awards (ACAs), recognizing faculty members for excellence in teaching, research, service and contributions across multiple areas of their professional responsibilities.

The awards are presented annually to selected faculty members in four categories: Teaching, Research, Service and Balanced (combined contributions in all three areas). Recipients are recognized for their professional achievements and the distinction they bring to the University through their work. 

“Eastern’s Achievement and Contribution Awards recognize the dedication and accomplishments of faculty members who make a lasting impact on our University,” said EIU President Jay Gatrell. “Their commitment to teaching, research and service strengthens the educational experience for our students and contributes to the success of the broader EIU community.”

EIU’s 2025-26 recipients are listed below by academic department or area:

Biological Sciences

  • Elizabeth Peterson – Research
  • Robert Colombo – Research
  • Maryam Rahmati Ishka – Research

Chemistry and Biochemistry

  • Gopal Periyannan – Balanced

Counseling and Higher Education

  • Heidi Larson – Teaching

Economics

  • Assande' Desire Adom – Research

Geosciences

  • David Viertel – Service

Kinesiology, Sport and Recreation

  • Andrew Kerins – Balanced
  • Hasan Mavi – Service

Library Services

  • Kirstin Duffin – Service
  • Amy Odwarka – Balanced

Political Science and Philosophy

  • Jin Hong Kim – Balanced

Psychology

  • Ayaka Hisanaga-Probst – Teaching
  • Margaret Floress – Research
  • Jeff Stowell – Balanced
  • Jian Zhu – Research

School of Art + Design

  • Jenny Chi – Balanced
  • Samantha Tableriou – Service

School of Business

  • Lisa Brooks – Service

School of Communication, Journalism and Theatre

  • Anna Kochigina – Teaching
  • Alyssa Obradovich – Balanced

School of English and World Languages

  • Melissa Caldwell – Balanced

School of Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science and Physics

  • Andrew Parrish – Service

School of Nursing

  • Jacy Ghast – Teaching
  • Sociology, Anthropology and Criminology
  • Wade Smith – Service
  • Hyeri Choi – Balanced

Special Education

  • Jennifer Buchter – Service

Service Recipients are selected by fellow faculty members who serve on the Achievement and Contribution Awards Committee. Faculty members receiving the awards are recognized for demonstrating excellence in their professional achievements and bringing distinction to the University through their range of accomplishments.

EIU prepares students to accomplish their life goals through a combination of quality academics, personal relationships, and both on-campus and online learning opportunities. For more information about Eastern Illinois University, including its broad array of academic and career readiness programs, community-based services and opportunities, visit eiu.edu or call EIU’s Public Information Office at (217) 581-7400.

 

 

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Contact Information

Media Relations
Josh Reinhart,
Public Information Coordinator

Booth House
Eastern Illinois University
600 Lincoln Ave.
Charleston, IL 61920
217-581-7400
jdreinhart@eiu.edu


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